Director - Projects, Data Centers

JLL; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

JLL in Chicago seeks a senior leader to direct complex data center project management services, guiding a team of professionals to deliver top-tier client service on large, strategic projects from conception to completion.

You will oversee budgets, contracts, risk management, and business development, mentor project managers, and act as the lead relationship manager for strategic alliance clients across multiple sites.

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage multiple large ground-up and redevelopment projects.
• Strong interpersonal skills with executive-level stakeholders.
• Deep knowledge of corporate real estate budgeting and reporting.
• Experience with MEP infrastructure in data center builds.

Responsibilities

• Oversee project implementation through construction completion from pre-construction to delivery.
• Manage budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and cost reports for clients.
• Negotiate contracts and supervise consultants, vendors, and partners.
• Maintain relationships with architects, clients, property managers, and vendors.
• Provide on-site supervision to meet performance criteria and flag liabilities.
• Lead capital improvement programs across multiple sites.
• Mentor and develop project team members in firm procedures.
• Support business development by sourcing opportunities across units.
• Manage and mentor a team of 4+ professionals for key clients.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationship mgmt

Budget management

Construction project mgmt

Data center knowledge

Risk management

Team mentoring

Negotiation

Tools

PDS technology

Job description

This senior leadership role directs and manages complex project management services, leading a team of professionals to deliver superior client service across larger, more strategic Data Center projects. You'll serve as the lead relationship manager for strategic alliance clients, oversee multiple high-value projects from conception through construction completion, and contribute to business development while mentoring and developing project management talent.

Your day-to-day tasks will include:

• Oversee project implementation and execution through completion of construction, managing all phases from pre-construction (programming, design, entitlements, bidding, permitting) through ground-breaking and final delivery
• Establish and manage comprehensive project budgets including hard and soft costs, maintain monthly forecasts and cash flow analysis, and prepare anticipated cost reports and other client-required documentation
• Negotiate contracts with team members and vendors, and provide performance management of all contracted consultants, vendors, and external partners
• Maintain extensive interface with architects, client staff, property managers, and vendors while managing client relationships and conflict resolution
• Provide on-site supervision to ensure project performance criteria are met and identify areas of concern regarding potential liabilities and risks
• Lead capital improvement and asset preservation programs with design and construction processes at multiple sites through local resources
• Train and develop JLL project team members in firm procedures, methodology, and practices expected for successful project implementation
• Contribute to business development by assisting in sourcing new opportunities and marketing available products and service offerings across business units
• Manage and mentor a team of professionals (4 or more) involved with specific clients, functions, or projects while making independent judgments related to operating procedures

Desired Experience And Technical Skills

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal skills with proven ability to interact effectively with executive level external and internal clients, architects, contractors, and other stakeholders
• Highly organized with strong analytical skills and ability to regularly communicate analyzed data to clients and teams to achieve project goals
• Demonstrated ability to manage several medium and large ground-up development projects, major re-development projects, and corporate interiors projects
• Strong working knowledge of accounting and financial reporting, budgeting, scheduling, and processes as they relate to corporate real estate
• Proficiency in the use and application of all PDS technology as required for assigned projects
• Travel required as needed

Preferred

• Previous experience effectively supervising, training, mentoring, and evaluating several project managers at various levels within the organization or team
• High energy for the business, ability to energize others, and willingness to take risks and make tough decisions
• Experience serving as lead relationship manager for strategic alliance clients or as a key resource to multiple client teams
• Strong Technical Background and understanding of Data Centers and MEP Infrastructure associated with Data Center Builds and Operations.